Cheap flights from Melbourne Airport to Cairns from $119
This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a Cheapflights user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight departing on 12/3. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel.
MEL — CNS
13 Dec — 20 Dec1
Return
1 adult
Economy
Return
1 adult, Economy, 0 bags
Cheapflights Tip: The best prices from Melbourne to Cairns are usually found in March or February, booked 66 days in advance, depart on a Tuesday or Wednesday and return on a Friday
Find flight deals from Melbourne to Cairns
Enter your travel dates to find the best prices.
Cheapest flights from Melbourne to Cairns
Explore the most affordable flight options available from Melbourne to Cairns. Find the lowest fares from popular airlines and budget airlines, with prices last updated on 13 November 2025.
Thu 27/1119:45MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 20mJetstar
Sat 6/1218:30CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 25mJetstar
Deal found 12/11$233
Thu 11/1206:15MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 15mJetstar
Mon 15/1219:30CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 25mJetstar
Deal found 11/11$234
Fri 28/1119:45MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 20mMultiple Airlines
Sun 30/1123:55CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 25mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 10/11$239
Thu 27/1121:25MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 30mVirgin Australia
Mon 1/1223:55CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 25mVirgin Australia
Deal found 13/11$240
Tue 25/1121:25MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 30mVirgin Australia
Fri 28/1123:55CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 25mVirgin Australia
Deal found 11/11$242
Sat 13/1219:45MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 20mMultiple Airlines
Fri 19/1223:55CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 25mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 11/11$243
Mon 24/1121:25MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 30mVirgin Australia
Thu 27/1123:55CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 25mVirgin Australia
Deal found 11/11$245
Sun 7/1221:25MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 30mMultiple Airlines
Wed 10/1218:30CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 25mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 10/11$246
Wed 17/1221:25MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 30mVirgin Australia
Wed 24/1223:55CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 25mVirgin Australia
Deal found 12/11$248
Thu 27/1119:45MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 20mMultiple Airlines
Mon 1/1223:55CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 25mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 13/11$249
Mon 15/1219:45MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 20mMultiple Airlines
Sun 21/1223:55CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 25mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 13/11$251
Best flights from Melbourne to Cairns
Discover carefully curated flight deals from Melbourne to Cairns that have cost, travel time, and stopovers in mind to ensure you get the best travel experience. Data last updated 13 November 2025.
Thu 11/1216:25MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 20mMultiple Airlines
Thu 18/1223:55CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 25mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 13/11$242
Fri 13/319:45MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 20mJetstar
Mon 16/314:35CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 30mJetstar
Deal found 11/11$248
Sun 14/1221:25MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 30mVirgin Australia
Thu 18/1223:55CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 25mVirgin Australia
Deal found 13/11$252
Mon 15/1219:45MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 20mMultiple Airlines
Fri 19/1223:55CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 25mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 13/11$252
Tue 2/1221:25MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 30mVirgin Australia
Thu 4/1223:55CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 25mVirgin Australia
Deal found 11/11$259
Sat 13/1219:45MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 20mJetstar
Tue 16/1219:30CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 25mJetstar
Deal found 12/11$268
Fri 9/119:45MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 20mMultiple Airlines
Sat 17/119:50CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 25mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 12/11$254
Sat 13/1206:15MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 15mJetstar
Wed 17/1219:30CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 25mJetstar
Deal found 13/11$275
Wed 17/1219:45MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 20mMultiple Airlines
Tue 6/119:50CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 25mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 13/11$262
Sat 18/417:25MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 20mJetstar
Fri 24/420:05CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 30mJetstar
Deal found 10/11$278
Thu 7/517:25MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 20mJetstar
Thu 14/521:35CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 25mJetstar
Deal found 12/11$278
Wed 11/212:50MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 20mMultiple Airlines
Sun 15/211:45CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 25mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 13/11$298
Direct flights from Melbourne to Cairns
Explore direct flight options from Melbourne to Cairns based on user searches, and compare prices and availability for your desired travel dates. Data last updated 13 November 2025.
Thu 27/1119:45MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 20mJetstar
Sat 6/1218:30CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 25mJetstar
Deal found 12/11$233
Thu 11/1206:15MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 15mJetstar
Mon 15/1219:30CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 25mJetstar
Deal found 11/11$234
Mon 9/219:45MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 20mJetstar
Fri 13/214:35CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 30mJetstar
Deal found 11/11$237
Fri 28/1119:45MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 20mMultiple Airlines
Sun 30/1123:55CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 25mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 10/11$239
Thu 27/1121:25MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 30mVirgin Australia
Mon 1/1223:55CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 25mVirgin Australia
Deal found 13/11$240
Tue 25/1121:25MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 30mVirgin Australia
Fri 28/1123:55CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 25mVirgin Australia
Deal found 11/11$242
Sat 13/1219:45MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 20mMultiple Airlines
Wed 17/1223:55CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 25mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 13/11$243
Mon 24/1121:25MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 30mVirgin Australia
Thu 27/1123:55CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 25mVirgin Australia
Deal found 11/11$245
Tue 10/206:15MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 15mJetstar
Tue 17/207:45CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 25mJetstar
Deal found 12/11$246
Wed 17/1221:25MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 30mVirgin Australia
Wed 24/1223:55CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 25mVirgin Australia
Deal found 12/11$248
Thu 27/1119:45MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 20mMultiple Airlines
Mon 1/1223:55CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 25mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 13/11$249
Last-minute flights from Melbourne to Cairns
Discover last-minute flight deals from Melbourne to Cairns. Data last updated 13 November 2025 and is based on user searches.
Tue 18/1119:45MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 20mMultiple Airlines
Sun 23/1123:55CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 25mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 11/11$251
Tue 18/1119:45MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 20mMultiple Airlines
Sat 22/1119:50CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 25mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 11/11$268
Tue 18/1121:25MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 30mVirgin Australia
Sat 22/1119:50CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 25mVirgin Australia
Deal found 13/11$277
Wed 19/1121:25MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 30mVirgin Australia
Mon 24/1123:55CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 25mVirgin Australia
Deal found 12/11$280
Wed 19/1116:35MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 30mVirgin Australia
Sun 23/1123:55CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 25mVirgin Australia
Deal found 12/11$308
Fri 21/1119:45MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 20mMultiple Airlines
Mon 24/1123:55CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 25mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 12/11$288
Fri 21/1110:45MEL - CNS
1 stop5h 10mVirgin Australia
Mon 24/1123:55CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 25mVirgin Australia
Deal found 12/11$337
Sat 22/1106:15MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 15mMultiple Airlines
Sun 23/1123:55CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 25mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 12/11$262
One-way flights from Melbourne to Cairns
Search for one-way flight options from Melbourne to Cairns. Find affordable one-way fares based on user searches. Data last updated 13 November 2025.
Mon 15/1219:45MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 20mJetstar
Deal found 12/11$119
Tue 18/1119:45MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 20mJetstar
Deal found 12/11$121
Tue 18/1121:25MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 30mVirgin Australia
Deal found 12/11$122
Wed 19/1121:25MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 30mVirgin Australia
Deal found 11/11$124
Wed 17/1221:25MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 30mVirgin Australia
Deal found 12/11$129
Sun 23/1121:25MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 30mVirgin Australia
Deal found 11/11$130
Sat 22/1106:15MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 15mJetstar
Deal found 11/11$132
Wed 4/319:45MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 20mJetstar
Deal found 12/11$138
Thu 4/1216:25MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 20mJetstar
Deal found 13/11$139
Cheap flight deals from Melbourne to Cairns
Discover tips and strategies to find the most affordable flight options for your journey from Melbourne (MEL) to Cairns (CNS). Learn about various techniques such as flexible date searches, comparing prices across and setting up price alerts. Use these methods to find the cheapest flights available for your travel needs. Data last updated 13 November 2025.
Customise your flight search to find flights from Melbourne to Cairns that fit within your specific budget. Explore options based on user searches and filter the results based on your desired price range. Find flights that match your budget for a cost-effective journey. Over the last 7 days, Cheapflights users made 647,157 searches. Data last updated 13 November 2025.
Use the filters below to find and compare flights from Melbourne Airport to Cairns that are best for you.
Fly from
Melbourne
Fly to
Cairns
Route
Depart
Return
Price
MelbourneCairns
MEL - CNS
MELCNS
Melbourne
Thu 11/12
16:25-18:45
Nonstop3h 20m
Cairns
Thu 18/12
23:55-04:20
Nonstop3h 25m
$242
MelbourneCairns
MEL - CNS
MELCNS
Melbourne
Fri 13/3
19:45-22:05
Nonstop3h 20m
Cairns
Mon 16/3
14:35-19:05
Nonstop3h 30m
$248
MelbourneCairns
MEL - CNS
MELCNS
Melbourne
Sun 14/12
21:25-23:55
Nonstop3h 30m
Cairns
Thu 18/12
23:55-04:20
Nonstop3h 25m
$252
MelbourneCairns
MEL - CNS
MELCNS
Melbourne
Mon 15/12
19:45-22:05
Nonstop3h 20m
Cairns
Fri 19/12
23:55-04:20
Nonstop3h 25m
$252
MelbourneCairns
MEL - CNS
MELCNS
Melbourne
Fri 9/1
19:45-22:05
Nonstop3h 20m
Cairns
Sat 17/1
19:50-00:15
Nonstop3h 25m
$254
MelbourneCairns
MEL - CNS
MELCNS
Melbourne
Tue 2/12
21:25-23:55
Nonstop3h 30m
Cairns
Thu 4/12
23:55-04:20
Nonstop3h 25m
$259
MelbourneCairns
MEL - CNS
MELCNS
Melbourne
Wed 17/12
19:45-22:05
Nonstop3h 20m
Cairns
Tue 6/1
19:50-00:15
Nonstop3h 25m
$262
MelbourneCairns
MEL - CNS
MELCNS
Melbourne
Sat 13/12
19:45-22:05
Nonstop3h 20m
Cairns
Tue 16/12
19:30-23:55
Nonstop3h 25m
$268
MelbourneCairns
MEL - CNS
MELCNS
Melbourne
Sat 13/12
06:15-08:30
Nonstop3h 15m
Cairns
Wed 17/12
19:30-23:55
Nonstop3h 25m
$275
MelbourneCairns
MEL - CNS
MELCNS
Melbourne
Sat 18/4
17:25-20:45
Nonstop3h 20m
Cairns
Fri 24/4
20:05-23:35
Nonstop3h 30m
$278
Flights are sorted by cheapest return flights first.
Deals found on 11/11
Showing 1-10 of 24 results
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2
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Best time to book a flight from Melbourne to Cairns
Have a flexible travel schedule? Discover the best time to fly to Cairns from Melbourne with our price prediction graph.
Estimated return price
Rates are based on past data. Find the cheapest month and day to book your flight based on your travel requirements, then search for cheap deals.
Cheapflights Insights
Everything you need to know about your flight from Melbourne Airport to Cairns
Prices
Airlines
Delays
How far ahead should I book a flight from Melbourne Airport to Cairns?
Use this chart to determine the optimal time to book a return flight from Melbourne to Cairns. Price data was last updated on 7 November 2025.
To ensure you get the cheapest price possible for a flight from Melbourne Airport to Cairns, you should look to book at least 66 days in advance of your intended travel date. The price of your flight may increase if you delay and leave booking until a week or so before departure.
What is the cheapest month to book a flight from Melbourne Airport to Cairns?
Currently, May is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from Melbourne Airport to Cairns (average of $118). Flying from Melbourne Airport to Cairns in September is currently the most expensive (average of $204). There are several factors that can impact the price of a flight, so comparing airlines, departure airports and flight times can provide users with more options.
What is the cheapest time of day to fly from MEL to CNS?
Find hourly flight availability from Melbourne to Cairns. Discover flight options and departure times throughout the day, allowing you to choose a departure time that suits your schedule. Data last updated 13 November 2025.
Unlike in the morning, when flights are generally more expensive, you can save up to 31% on flights from Melbourne Airport to Cairns by exploring options for tickets in the evening.
What is the cheapest day to fly from Melbourne Airport to Cairns?
Use this chart to determine the cheapest time to fly return from Melbourne to Cairns. Price data was last updated on 2 November 2025.
Travellers seeking maximum savings on their Melbourne Airport to Cairns flight should consider departing on Wednesday at midday when fares are most often at their lowest. Tuesday at midday flights should be avoided if possible as fares are typically the most expensive at this time.
How much does it cost for a return flight from Melbourne Airport to Cairns?
Weekly flight availability from Melbourne Airport to Cairns
Explore weekly flight availability from Melbourne to Cairns. Discover flights operating on different days of the week, giving you the flexibility to choose a travel day that best fits your plans. Compare info to find the most convenient option for your journey. Data last updated 13 November 2025.
The most flights from MEL to CNS are scheduled on a Thursday (23 on average). You will have fewer flight options on Monday, which is when the least amount of flights are scheduled (15 on average).
How often are flights from Melbourne to Cairns delayed?
About 15% of weekly flights between Melbourne and Cairns have experienced delays in the past year, with the average delay time being 97 minutes.
What is the most punctual flight time for Melbourne to Cairns flights?
Historically, flights departing in the morning are less likely to be delayed, whereas flights leaving at night tend to experience delays more often.
What day of the week experiences the fewest flight delays on this route?
Sunday tends to have the lowest number of delays on this route, whereas Wednesday has historically faced a higher average of delays compared to other days of the week.
Which airline has the best punctuality record on Melbourne to Cairns flights?
Over the past year, Virgin Australia have had the lowest number of delays on this route, with just 7% of flights being delayed.
Reviews of airlines servicing Cairns
Get insights into the airlines that provide service to Cairns. Read reviews, discover amenities, and learn about the overall travel experience offered by airlines. Use this information to make informed decisions when choosing an airline for your flight to Cairns. Reviews last updated 13 November 2025.
Read reviews from past customers who have flown with Virgin Australia, Qantas Airways, andJetstar
from Melbourne Airport to Cairns. Users can see the overall rating for each airline as well as how each is rated in terms of entertainment options, comfort, food, crew/service, and boarding process.
We didn’t eat or drink, but feel like a sardine. No room at all.
Related info for your journey
Find useful and relevant information for your journey from Melbourne to Cairns. Access travel guides, tips, and recommendations to enhance your travel experience. Get information about local attractions, weather, transportation options, and more.
What airport do you fly into for flights to Cairns from Melbourne?
If you book a flight to Cairns from Melbourne, you will be flying to Cairns, which is the city’s only airport. Cairns (CNS) is located 4.4 km from the centre of Cairns. There are 18 flights from Melbourne to Cairns per day from 3 different airlines.
How long is the flight from Melbourne Airport to Cairns?
Airlines like Jetstar and Virgin Australia fly from Melbourne Airport to Cairns in about 3h 20m. The time it takes to get you to your destination is usually consistent. The distance between Melbourne Airport and Cairns is about 2311 km. Most flights are nonstop.
What are the cheapest airlines flying from Melbourne Airport to Cairns round-trip?
Our cheapest airline available from Melbourne Airport to Cairns is Jetstar. Our recent data shows that you can find tickets from as low as $187 on this airline. Additional options worth looking into are Virgin Australia and Qantas Airways, starting at $215 and $255 round-trip. Jetstar is priced at 42% lower than the current average price of a flight leaving 3 months from now.
What are the most reliable airlines from Melbourne Airport to Cairns?
The top 3 most reliable airlines when flying from Melbourne Airport to Cairns are Emirates (95%), Air New Zealand (95%) and Cathay Pacific (95%).
What are the cheapest flights from Melbourne Airport to Cairns?
On average you can expect to pay $1,531 for a flight from Melbourne Airport to Cairns. The cheapest flight overall is $112 while the most popular route, (Melbourne - Cairns) is currently priced at $228.
Where are the most common stopover locations when flying from Melbourne Airport to Cairns?
Melbourne Airport to Cairns flights have a stopover in Sydney most often.
What are some popular things to do or see while on a stopover in Sydney?
If you're on a stopover in Sydney and looking for things to do, consider visiting Sydney Opera House, The Rocks Markets, or Australia Square. Sydney Opera House, The Rocks Markets and Australia Square are located about 9.9 km, 9.6 km, and 8.8 km, respectively from Sydney Kingsford Smith if you are interested in checking them out. Travellers in need of a car in Sydney can hire one for about $61 per day.
Where are the least popular stopover locations for Melbourne Airport to Cairns flights?
The least popular stopover on flights from Melbourne Airport to Cairns is Brisbane.
Can I find deals for flights from Melbourne to Cairns that include hotel bookings?
Yes. In addition to deals on Melbourne to Cairns flights, Cheapflights offers holiday packages that include both flights and hotel.
How can I find direct flights from Melbourne to Cairns?
After entering your origin and destination, apply the non-stop filter on the search result page to find direct flights from Melbourne to Cairns.
Can I find deals for business class flights from Melbourne to Cairns?
Yes. Cheapflights offers flight deals from Melbourne to Cairns by cabin class. In addition to browsing deals, you can also filter by cabin class on the search results page after making a search.
What is the cheapest month to book a flight from Melbourne Airport to Cairns?
Currently, May is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from Melbourne Airport to Cairns (average of $118). Flying from Melbourne Airport to Cairns in September is currently the most expensive (average of $204). There are several factors that can impact the price of a flight, so comparing airlines, departure airports and flight times can provide users with more options.
Book flights to Cairns if you plan to visit one of these locations
Mission Beach
Trinity Beach
Browse thousands of different options on Cheapflights for your next trip
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Fly from Melbourne to Cairns on these airlines
Choose from the following airlines for your flight from Melbourne to Cairns. Flights are based on user searches made on Cheapflights and were last updated on 13 November 2025.
Explore flights to Cairns departing from other origins. Flights are based on user searches made on Cheapflights and were last updated on 13 November 2025.
Browse through other flights departing from Melbourne. Flights are based on user searches made on Cheapflights and were last updated on 13 November 2025.
Discover the top 3 airlines that operate flights from Melbourne to Cairns. Compare their services, reliability, and customer satisfaction ratings to choose the airline that best suits your travel preferences and needs. Over the last 7 days, Cheapflights users made 647,157 searches. Data last updated 13 November 2025.
Find the best flight deals on Cheapflights, where travellers can enjoy low prices and a wide availability of flights to their desired destinations.
How does Cheapflights help users find flights from Melbourne to Cairns?
Cheapflights goes through 900+ travel sites to look for the best flight deals for flights from Melbourne to Cairns. Too many options? Cheapflights also provides filters for things like airlines, price ranges, and number of stops to help you make a decision easily.
Why should you use Cheapflights to find cheap flight tickets from Melbourne to Cairns?
Millions of users choose and trust Cheapflights to book the best flight deals from Melbourne to Cairns for free. We help you search and compare prices from hundreds of airlines for the right flight just for you.
Can Cheapflights find flights from Melbourne to Cairns with no change fees?
Cheapflights does show flights with no change fees to all users. To see these options for flights from Melbourne to Cairns, users can toggle the no change fees filter when performing a flight search.
Can Cheapflights notify me if prices for flights from Melbourne to Cairns become cheaper?
Yes, Cheapflights offers price alerts on Melbourne to Cairns flights so you can book your travel at the perfect time. Price Alerts can be enabled by clicking the bell icon next to the flight deals above and providing your email address where you want to receive the alerts.
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